Evaluation of nootropic and neuroprotective properties of Siddha drug Poorana Chandrothaya Chenthuram (PCC) in scopolamine-induced amnesia in mice

•Poorana Chandrothaya Chenthuram (PCC) is a gold-based a Siddha Kayakarpa drug, rooted in centuries-old traditional use was tested preclinically for its memory enhancing property.•This study establishes that the PCC can impart memory-enhancing effects through cholinesterase inhibitory effects, as evidenced by preliminary in vivo behavioral investigations.•We assessed the nootropic potential of PCC in scopolamine-induced amnesic rats, and elucidate the underlying mechanisms, specifically focusing on the modulation of cholinergic system and anti-oxidant effects.•In the gene expression study, PCC analogs demonstrated significant and promising in vivo and ex vivo memory-enhancing effects. Poorana Chandrothaya Chenthuram (PCC) is a gold-based Siddha drug, for treating diverse diseases. Rooted in centuries-old traditional use, Siddha texts categorize PCC as a kayakarpa entity that emphasizes holistic well-being. This study assesses the nootropic potential of Poorana Chandrothaya Chenthuram (PCC) in scopolamine-induced amnesic mice, and elucidate the underlying mechanisms, specifically focusing on the modulation of cholinergic system and anti-oxidant effects. Preliminary finger printing with FTIR was done. Scopolamine-induced memory impaired mice were administered PCC (15 or 30 mg/kg) for 28 days. Memory assessments were done using elevated plus-maze and passive avoidance tasks. RT-PCR gauged mRNA expression levels of AChE, MChR, BAX, and BCL2 in brain samples were also done. FTIR confirmed the presence of functional groups in PCC. In the EPM test, pre-treatment with PCC (15 and 30 mg/kg) significantly reduced the time taken (p < 0.05 and 0.01, respectively), comparable to the reference control, piracetam. The PAT revealed a significant increase (p < 0.01) in the time taken to step down from the escape platform which demonstrates that significant efficacy in reversing scopolamine-induced amnesia in mice. Gene expression studies reported a significant up-regulation (p < 0.01) in AChE, MChR, and BAX mRNA expressions, along with a down-regulation in BCL2 expression compared to normal mice. This study demonstrates the anti-amnesic activity of the Siddha drug PCC, elucidating its mechanism involving a reduction in AChE levels and an augmentation of antioxidant levels in which implicates modulation of cholinergic and apoptotic pathways. In-depth exploration of PCC's neuroprotective properties may unveil novel avenues for combating memory and cognitive decline. [Display